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Leeming Toy Library is a non-profit organization that melds education and fun together in a lending library of toys and games, made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, donors Continue Reading →

Based in Puddledock, NSW, Australia For information on the toys, games, ways to donate, contribute or volunteer please email us at: info@leemingtoylibrary.org Please use the contact form below and we’ll Continue Reading →

We have all at one time or another over the past year come across the “fidget spinner”

The fidget spinner is not actually a new invention at all and was first invented in the 1990’s to help with ADHD and Autism. The theory behind it being that by spinning the device kids would fidget less and focus more on what was being taught in class as they doodled with the fidget spinner.

Some benefits claims about using the fidget spinners are:

The spinning distraction of the gadget may help relieve stress

Moving is beneficial to kinetic learners and kids with ADHD as it produces more dopamine for these children thereby helping with memory and concentration

It allows kids to channel their attention

Helps with the development of gross motor activity

Some downfalls to using the fidget spinner:

The spinning is actually visually distracting and takes the child’s attention away from what is going on around them

The noise or in some cases the flashing lights cause a distraction to others around them. The fidget spinners with flashing lights can actually cause adverse effects to those who are sensitive to that sort of light.

It can be a potential health hazard as kids tend to use it as a toy rather than a distraction device and use it to perform various tricks.

Truth be told, there really is not enough conclusive evidence to show whether it does help with focus and concentration.

Yes, there are many ways the fidget spinner could do potential harm! But the fact remains that they are the modern equivalent of the spinning top or yo-yo. Kids are going to learn to do tricks with them and compete to see if they can outdo each other with the gadgets. They are kids and it is a really fun device you should try one if you have not already.
But like everything else you have to follow the safety advice on that comes with the device and ensure that you always use it correctly.

They now come in varying shapes, color, sizes, weight, plastic or metal.

Today all kids do is play games on their mobile devices, video games or watch others playing those games on YouTube!

Playing a game on your computer or mobile device is just not the same as the good old family/friends night board games. When you all sat around a table, popcorn at hand as you set up the board and all took turns to throw the dice, pick a card, etc. to see who played first.

Fun and laughter filled the room as you competed against each other showing off your dice rolling skills as you shot around a board, up-a-ladder or even played go fish with cards.

But playing boards games was not just about having fun there were actually quite a few benefits hidden inside the game here.

Here are a few reasons why we should try and bring back the age-old family/friends board game night:

1. Teaches basic to complex math skills

Some if not most board games required some form of math, be it counting the numbers on the dice, moves across the board to the more complex ones that require some form of evaluating probabilities, etc.

2. Teaches basic life skills

Most games require a person to take turns, even that sometimes in life you have to step back and miss a turn.

This teaches the child there is a time for everything and to patiently wait their turn.

3. Teaches actions have consequences

For every decision or choice, the child makes there is a consequence be it a positive or a negative one. It teaches them how to deal with both in a more responsive way.

4. Teamwork

Games like Pictionary, 30 seconds, etc. require you to work with a team member and how to get express yourself in unconventional ways.

5. Family night of fun and bonding

Ultimately it is a really fun way to get the family together for an enjoyable night in.

Reports have found playtime to be such an important part of child development the United Nations High Commission for Human Right is recognizing it as the right of every child!

The benefits of Play

At an early age, children interact and engage with their surrounding through play.

It helps them conquer fears; develop new skills while developing their imagination, emotional and physical strength while sharpening their dexterity.

Play in groups helps children learn how to share, work as a team, resolve conflict and negotiate.
Child-driven play enables the child encouraging them to test and hone their decision-making skills and discover their likes and dislikes.

Parents and or child givers interact, bond and gain a unique perspective from their child’s point of view through either observing or joining in.

Playtime is one of the joys of childhood at that every child fortunate enough to indulge in should be given the chance to do so.

The problem with reduced play time due to family, social and school commitments
A lot of young people are being put under a lot of pressure at a very early age
Due to increased school workloads, the rise in a single parent home, both parents working, divorced or separated leave very little time in the child’s life for an enriched play time or parental/guardian bonding play time.

This leads to a hurried lifestyle for the child which can cause stress, undue anxiety and can lead to bouts of depression.

The increased pressure of this lifestyle and less play time, have actually affected some young people by leaving them ill-equipped to successfully manage the transition to college.

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We are a non-profit organization that melds education and fun together in a lending library of toys and games, made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, donors and tireless efforts of our volunteers.